Our Vision

The broad stretch of undulating Hunter Valley land known as ‘Anvil Creek’ is one of those very special places that captures the imagination and demands a high quality plan for its future.

Greta Estates set out to create a masterplan for an outstanding rural lifestyle destination with a design that respects its heritage, is sensitive to its environment and creates the foundations for a community that is uniquely Australian, a place that will continue the tradition of the region and foster a natural environment where people will want to live or to visit time and again.

The Site

Named for the creek that meanders along the north-eastern boundary of the property, Anvil Creek covers 423 magnificent hectares of Hunter Valley land. Nestled between Walkers and Harpers Hills and Mount Molly Morgan, the site features panoramic views over the surrounding hills and woodlands to the distinctive mountains of the Barrington Tops.

The southern, and main, entrance to Anvil Creek is located on Lovedale Road close to the highest point of the extensive site, which rolls across two creek-lined valleys to a gently rising northern plain over three kilometres away. Two high points, rising 60 metres above the central watercourses, mark the middle of the site and provide natural vantage points for the hotel and clubhouse, giving guests and residents the opportunity to enjoy the stunning vistas.

The undulating and varied nature of the site has allowed the architects, golf course designers and landscapers to create a series of distinctive precincts each providing privacy and a unique outlook over the golf course, vineyard or other private open space.

Three natural watercourses traverse the site and flow south into the Anvil Creek catchment. Natural vegetation lines the banks of the northern and central creeks and the riparian zones have been woven into the golf course design.

At the northern end of the site the legacy of the army and migrant camp settlements is still evident, including a spine road constructed by the army that is still largely intact and leads to Anvil Creek’s second entrance on Camp Road. These elements have provided the architects with the opportunity to embrace the history of the site, building upon the strength of its heritage.

Rural Character

The rural nature of Anvil Creek is its signature characteristic and has been safeguarded in the masterplan, with development clustered to reduce its footprint and a significant central area set aside for a working vineyard. The golf course will retain a sense of being in the country, with residential precincts designed to have minimal impact on the golfers’ experience, while residents can still enjoy views over the course and access to open space.

With over 70% of the site retained as open space, all precincts are positioned to enjoy privacy and take advantage of the rural ambience, while the streetscapes, retail and commercial areas have also been designed to add to the rural feel.

Environment

The masterplan maximises the amount of open space retained in the development and preserves natural habitats where possible, using existing physical and landscape elements within the new site layout.

Mature vegetation is to be retained wherever possible and extensive planting, with emphasis on re-establishing riparian corridors, will generate an authentic Hunter landscape. Planting along ridge tops and in open spaces will provide green corridors for wildlife to move through and degraded waterways in the existing creek systems will be reinstated.